2020 Toyota Sienna Hybrid MPG and Release Date

If you are disappointed because there is no 2020 Toyota Sienna Hybrid listed on the official site, do not worry yet. The company is still about to launch this version of the minivan that will compete with the Chrysler Pacifica, which now has the PHEV model. It seems Toyota is preparing a similar system, not only an ordinary version we can get with Highlander SUV (the only mid-size three-row model with such drivetrain). Well, the existence of this vehicle is probably one of the major factors why 2020 Sienna Hybrid is delayed.

The company would gain a lot of advantages if they manage to pull this off. Well, fans and buyers would like to see the base hybrid, at least, before engineers develop the plug-in version. Still, this is not an easy task, but the Japanese company is always bringing new stuff to the market. With Chrysler Pacifica setting the challenge, there is no doubt Sienna will have to respond.

Sales Are Dropping, Toyota Needs Something New

There are rumors saying the minivan has no future. SUV class is definitely killing all other segments by stealing buyers with versatility and functionality. Nowadays, we have more and more seven and eight-seat SUVs that almost replace MPV class. Still, few models are still out fighting for their place. On the other hand, it is obvious that sales are dropping. Last year, Toyota sold less than 100k minivans. The best-seller is Dodge Grand Caravan with 150,000 units sold.

The new 2020 Sienna is not changing too many things. So, the sales will probably continue to drop. Unless the company shakes up the market with something new. Chrysler Pacifica is the second best-selling model in the segment, mostly thanks to its hybrid system. Still, they had issues and the company had to recall nearly 2,000 minivans because of the powertrain shutdown. Whatsoever, the hybrid drivetrains are the future of the industry, and sooner or later MPVs will have to offer such power sources.

2020 Toyota Sienna Hybrid MPG Upgrade

The main reason why you are going to buy hybrid MPV is its fuel economy. Currently, Sienna returns 22 mpg when using a front-wheel drive. A 3.5-liter V6 engine is creating 296 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The same drivetrain on the Highlander SUV was mated to the electric motor to boost outputs. The result is 308 hp and 29 mpg combined. However, the SUV is not pairing a 2.5-liter four-pot engine with the electric battery for 240 hp and much better mileage. The 2020 Toyota Sienna Hybrid AWD will consume slightly more fuel. However, the gas mileage is not going to drop for more than 1 mpg.

Four-Cylinder or V6

For a long time, we believed Sienna Hybrid will carry a V6 engine. But now, when Highlander SUV got another drivetrain, we must reconsider options for this model. There are two paths for the minivan. It can inherit an old hybrid, which is now less likely to happen. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit is delivering better fuel economy, but it also tows less. Furthermore, the new technology is yet to get the first reviews. The 2020 Toyota Sienna Hybrid AWD will get electric motors mounted on rear wheels, creating the powerful and adjustable system.

2020 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Release Date

The new 2020 Toyota Sienna Hybrid will arrive somewhere next year. The base minivan for 2020 is already available for purchase. Well, the company didn’t change too many things, so there were no reasons to wait. Whatsoever, the next question is – which trim levels will offer the hybrid drivetrain and how much it will cost? Highlander puts various options on the table, and we expect the same thing from the Sienna minivan.

Competition

Last year the company sold 87,000 minivans in the US. That is the worst result in this decade. In 2010 the third generation arrived and sales of Toyota Sienna jumped above 100k units per annum. Now, with a huge drop, the Japanese carmaker will have to consider options for the future. With the SUV class growing in all ways, the discontinuation of the minivan is still an option. On the other hand, a share in a market where half a million vehicles are sold per year is not small. So, we could expect the next-gen Sienna very soon. The hybrid version will definitely be the part of the lineup.

The good thing about the 2020 Toyota Sienna Hybrid is the lack of competition. As said, Chrysler Pacifica is the only MPV in the market with such drivetrain. On the other way, other companies are also preparing new options, and it seems like Kia Sedona is the minivan to watch in upcoming years. Honda Odyssey became more popular than Sienna last year after the company refreshed it. Dodge Grand Caravan is a class leader in sales with more than 150,000 units sold. The MPV did it without a hybrid engine.